Draping window treatment ideas
45 Best Window Treatment Ideas
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
You don't have to pick between natural light and privacy.
By Hadley Mendelsohn
JESSIE PREZA
Windows (and access to natural light) can make or break a space, but many people overlook the importance of window treatments when planning a space. Window coverings can be functional, purely decorative, or strike a balance between the two, depending on your space and the amount of natural light you receive and prefer. Whether it's full and flowing drapes, modern coverings, classic curtains, Roman shades, or laidback shutters, the ideas ahead are sure to inspire a better view at home.
🏡You love finding new design tricks? So do we. Let us share the best of them.
Anna Spiro Design
1 of 45
Interior Glass Shades
This cozy bedroom by Anna Spiro Design is a masterclass in eclectic decorating. Though there's plenty of pattern mixing going on, from the plaid armchair to the floral motif headboard, it feels cohesive and thoughtful. That's partially thanks to the consistent color scheme and Roman shades treatments, which are installed on the windows and interior door windows. Design consistency aside, this also ensures total privacy.
LAURE JOLIET
2 of 45
Stained Glass
Stained glass is so much more than good-looking (though those colorful shadows it casts are certainly welcome). It also works hard! Reath Design blocked a view of the driveway and enhanced street-level privacy by replacing glass panes with colorfully painted ones. This is a great option when you want to introduce color and obstruct a view without blocking all the natural light.
2LG Studios
3 of 45
Sheer White Curtains
If you're lacking on windows, choose sheer panels for maximum light.
They will help keep the room from feeling too closed off. In this space designed by 2LG Studio, the curtains stretch all the way up to the ceiling.
JESSIE PREZA
4 of 45
Hanging Art
Designer Krystal Matthews has tons of clever decorating tips up her sleeve. In this home office, she created depth and character by hanging two pieces of artwork right over the back window since there was nowhere else to install wall decor. But aside from looking good, they also help block a less than scenic view.
Victoria Pearson
5 of 45
Cohesive Patterns
"It goes against decorating 101, but using small patterns together can be easier on the eye," says interior decorator Kristin Panitch, who designed this dreamy pink cloud of a bedroom. The matchy-matchy wallpaper, curtains, bedding, and headboard create a gorgeous backdrop for a good night sleep while the colorful throw pillows add just enough contrast.
Werner Straube
6 of 45
Double Blinds
For extra dimension and less light filtration, double up.
Here, interior design Corey Damen Jenkins hung both roman shades and drapes.
Paul Costello
7 of 45
Rattan Blinds
Rattan blinds will let a little natural light shine in while still delivering some privacy. In interior designer Shaun Smith's New Orleans home, this tiny bathroom is the perfect blend of refined and approachable, with a great blend of materials and prints.
Brigette Romanek Design
8 of 45
Classic Shutters
In this living room by Romanek Design Studio, the classic white shutters complement the monochromatic color scheme and timeless yet contemporary style of the sofa and coffee table.
STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
9 of 45
Matching Wallpaper
Match your wallpaper and curtains for a fully enveloped aesthetic. In this attic sanctuary designed by Mally Skok, the vibrant and warm tones of the printed wallpaper and fabric curtains make everything feel rosy. The contemporary rug, casual side table, and étagère also help ground the more traditional and formal elements of the room.
Thomas Loof
10 of 45
Awning and Shutters
Don't neglect your exteriors. Designed by tropical decor maven Amanda Lindroth, this window is treated with shutters and an orange striped awning matching the bench beneath it. Though most hurricane shutters are just for looks these days, make sure yours at least look functional by taking proper measurements so that they look like they can close over the window evenly.
Shannon McGrath
11 of 45
Multi-Hued Curtains
The sheepskin throw, metallic touches, and multi-hued curtains make this stylish little reading nook by Hecker Guthrie the perfect blend of cozy and cool. The colorful, loose curtains feel both modern and laidback. Plus, nothing amps up the fun factor like a playful swing chair.
Maltsev Design
12 of 45
Dramatic Curtains
In this kitchen designed by Malstev Design, the moody red curtains deliver a dignified sense of drama. We love how they stretch from the floor to the ceiling and are cinched super low to the ground to playfully skew the proportions.
Romanek Design Studio
13 of 45
Bare
Some rooms can actually be better off without any window treatments at all. This is especially true in a modern kitchen, where any and all additional task lighting is welcome, and fabrics that run the risk of fading from sunlight are minimal or nonexistent. In this bright and airy California kitchen by Romanek Design Studio, the serving windows look beautiful (and more functional) left bare.
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
14 of 45
Fancy Frames
Color stretches all the way up to the rafters in this living room designed by Thomas Jayne and William Cullum. We love how they chose to frame the windows with a gorgeous drapery that draws your eye up and doesn't encroach into the space too much. All together, the room feels traditional and formal but still country chic and casual.
STACEY BRANDFORD
15 of 45
Curtains Beyond the Windows
Instead of hanging curtains right over the window, create a cozy little oasis like this by hanging tall curtains in front of a window seat reading nook, as Sarah Richardson did here.
Feli Forest
16 of 45
Frosted Glass
In this bathroom designed by Arent & Pyke, the frosted glass windows allow for extra privacy without needing to hang any curtains. This helps maintain that clean-lined modern aesthetic.
Nicole Franzen
17 of 45
Folding Screen
A folding screen is one of the most useful decorative items you can buy. It can add architectural dimension, color and pattern, and function as a window treatment without even requiring you to hang anything or reach for your toolkit. Place it strategically, and next thing you know, you have yourself a makeshift window treatment.
Heather Hilliard Design
18 of 45
Tie-Up Shades
This bathroom by Heather Hilliard is understated elegance perfected. That's partially thanks to the blue marble tub backsplash and Victorian-inspired fixtures, but the tie-up shades really polish the space. Try this soft and full-looking window treatment style for a similarly romantic touch.
David Tsay
19 of 45
Hang From the Highest Point
Hang your curtains from the highest point possible to create contrast and make a room feel taller. In this bohemian dining room by Justina Blakeney, the curtains go way above the window for a fuller, more spacious feel.
Bjorn Wallander
20 of 45
Full Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains
The master bedroom in designer Janie Molster's home is anchored by a dramatic suzani behind the illustrious pink velvet headboard. The curtains contribute to the sense of fullness, warmth, and energy, while the pale linens and classic chairs bring in a timeless touch. Use this space as inspiration if you think your room could use a little more depth and dimension.
Paul Raeside
21 of 45
Roman Shades
If your home already has blinds, make it feel more personalized and refined with Roman shades. The green shades in this bedroom designed by Andrew Flesher add a fun bit of color and block out light for sleeping in on the weekends.
Tasmin Johnson
22 of 45
Classic Shades
In this dream closet designed by Tamsin Johnson, the classic white shades dress down the more glamorous elements of the space.
Leanne Ford Interiors
23 of 45
Farmhouse Shutters
Designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, these farmhouse shutters allow the occupant to adjust their access to light while also playing up the rustic look. It could be a fun DIY project, too, if you're up for the woodworking challenge.
Paul Raeside
24 of 45
Printed Roman Shades
Use a Roman shade to add pattern to a room or to play up an existing print. If you're wary of it feeling too bold, keep the wall a neutral tone. Take a cue from this inviting living room designed by Andrew Flesher.
Lisa Romerein
25 of 45
Curtains Everywhere
Tonal bedrooms with plenty of curtains and canopies = instantly elevated and cozy. Choose a neutral color for a calming, soft space. Tented in various fabrics, this bedroom designed by Benjamin Dhong is a romantic cocoon.
Francesco Lagnese
26 of 45
Short Curtains
Hang your bathroom curtains at the midpoint of the window for visually intriguing approach. This will ensure privacy, but it also keeps things interesting style-wise.
Catherine Kwong
27 of 45
Add a Fun Trim
If you're afraid of overdoing it with color in a neutral space but want to add a little pop of intrigue, choose curtains with a neutral base and add a printed trim. The sleek wood wall in this room gives it an edge, while the light curtains, bedding, and carpet soften things up.
TREVOR DIXON
28 of 45
Tassel Detail Curtains
This mudroom plays with color, texture, and pattern. The fringed drapes are fun touch that play off the classic prints in this cheerful little transitional space designed by Eddie Ross.
Alec Hemer
29 of 45
Hang a Sheet or Tarp
When it comes to laidback beach and country houses, embrace the easy breezy lifestyle by simply hanging a sheet across the window to block a little light when necessary and soften the harder materials.
Anson Smart
30 of 45
Pink Sheers
This dining room designed by Arent & Pyke manages to look open, romantic, and ethereal while also being grounded, formal, and versatile. That's thanks to the warm brown leather and wood punctuated by black details, all of which contrast nicely with the dreamy pink sheers.
35 Unexpected Color Combos for Palette Inspo
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
Window Treatments Ideas: 15 Better Ways to Dress a Window
Stenciled Sign
1/16
Instead of topping her kitchen window with a traditional valance, Mary from At Home on the Bay used a salvaged wood board with a stenciled design, created by Lemonade Makin’ Mama. The rustic valance lets light flood the room but doesn't look too sparse. Plus, the cheery message and bright colors could provide much-needed encouragement to tackle those dirty dishes!
athomeonthebay.
com
Rustic Privacy Screen
2/16
To dress up a large bay window, consider skipping curtains or blinds altogether and opting instead for a privacy screen. This DIY version by Funky Junk Interiors is inspired by old farm-style gates. Constructed of tongue-and-groove pine boards and hinges, this project is fairly easy to replicate.
funkyjunkinteriors.net
Frosted Glass Design
3/16
Frosted glass provides exceptional privacy, but it completely blocks the view of the outdoors. With some low-tack tape and frosted glass spray paint, however, you can create a custom pattern that shields your home a bit from prying eyes but still lets in light. Plus, a frosted design doubles as a decorative element, as demonstrated by this playfully geometric pattern from A Beautiful Mess.
abeautifulmess.com
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Faux Stained Glass
4/16
Stained glass adds a pop of color to any room, and it filters light in a lovely, unique way when used as a window treatment.
Take a cue from the bloggers behind A Beautiful Mess and create your own custom stained-glass panel. The project requires just a piece of glass, some lead adhesive strips, and glass paint—all available at your local craft store.
abeautifulmess.com
Tablecloth Linens
5/16
A crafty homeowner can whip up a window treatment with any textile—even table linens! Debbie from Debbie Doo’s took pretty cloth napkins and hung them from a rod using curtain clips. The result is an easy and cheerful alternative to a traditional valance.
debbie-debbiedoos.com
Vintage-Style Shutters
6/16
Although these shutters by Vintage News Junkie look like timeworn antiques, they were actually constructed from IKEA bed slats! This piece can be customized to fit any window. For a truly rustic look, trick it out with distressed paint and barn door hardware.
vintagenewsjunkie.com
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Glass Window Shelves
7/16
Some windows—such as the tiny ones often set above a kitchen sink—don’t require full coverage.
For these windows, homeowners can choose to install a set of glass shelves instead of curtains. This approach lets them satisfy privacy needs while simultaneously showcasing decorative accessories, a collection of herbs, or whatever else strikes their fancy. Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl chose to liven up her shelves with an assortment of greenery.
Related: 10 Tiny Gardens You Can Grow on Your Windowsill
prettyhandygirl.com
Lace Windowpanes
8/16
This genius window treatment is a boon to renters! By applying lace directly to window glass with a cornstarch paste, DIYer Annabel Vita enjoys both privacy and natural light. The lace can be completely and easily removed by washing with warm water, making this a quick, inexpensive, and low-commitment DIY.
annabelvita.com
DIY Rolled Valance
9/16
Sometimes the best option for enhancing privacy and darkness in a room is a simple shade.
This rolled valance, which hides a practical roller shade underneath, was made by The Painted Hive with lumber, fabric, natural linen ribbon, and rustic buttons. The window treatment easily comes together with hemming tape for a quick, no-sew alternative.
thepaintedhive.net
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Faux Leaded Glass
10/16
Paint a bit of privacy onto your windows by recreating this faux leaded glass at home with the help of the tutorial at It All Started With Paint. Leading strips and gallery glass paint in clear and black are applied to the window pane, resulting in a permanent window covering fit for a historic home.
itallstartedwithpaint.com
Hanging Herb Garden
11/16
Brighten up a plain kitchen window blind by using it as a backdrop for an indoor garden that doubles as a beautiful yet practical window treatment. Amber from The Bird and Her Song opted to display greenery, but homeowners could put flowers in the pots instead for a burst of color.
Related: 10 Crazy New Ways to Bring the Garden Indoors
thebirdandhersong.com
Ribbon Garland
12/16
For a light and fancy window treatment, knot a selection of ribbons over a cord or dowel to form a garland. The color, pattern, and length are completely customizable, and DIYers can mix different textures to create a one-of-a-kind fashion statement.
etsy.com
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Wood Vertical Blinds
13/16
An old heat-treated pallet can be made useful indoors when salvaged and hung as a one-of-a-kind window blind. Attach the pallet boards to curtain rings through a drilled hole to slide the slats closed at night and open during the day. Follow the full tutorial at Instructables.
instructables.com via Humboldtartdept
Feed-Sack Curtains
14/16
Vintage feed sacks serve as the perfect café curtains in this modern country kitchen. Anita from Far Above Rubies hemmed the sacks, then strung them across a wire with rings.
The finished curtain lends homey charm to the room.
hometalk.com
Macrame Hanging
15/16
When your taste in window coverings is not conventional, knots may be your best friend. This DIY macrame window hanging from Little Vintage Cottage can be threaded together with nylon cord, jute, or rope, and tied in any number of designs to complement your backsplash, floor coverings, or personal sense of style.
littlevintagecottage.com
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Curtain Call
16/16
There are window covering options to suit any individual style.
bobvila.com
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design options, how to drape with your own hands
Curtains on the windows - it's smart, comfortable, useful.
They not only decorate, but protect the premises from sunlight, strong winds and prying eyes of strangers.
Textiles can very advantageously emphasize the style of any room.
Many will say that decorating a window space is not difficult: there are many ways of decorating that help to give the room originality, to create a certain style. One of them is drapery, which implies an unusual type of curtain, due to the many ways of laying folds.
Curtains have become an integral part of the interior.
Even an inept hostess is not deprived of the opportunity to get at her disposal curtains that will make her home cozy: professional designers are always ready to help her.
Curtains can be dense, heavy, focus attention on themselves, or they can create the effect of lightness, weightlessness.
But most prefer to do this amazingly exciting work on their own, putting their heart and warm hands into the work. However, it should be borne in mind that with the seeming simplicity of work, there are many nuances, the knowledge of which will help you choose the most interesting option.
Curtain drapery turns a simple fabric into an unusual product.
Contents
- 1 How to drape your own curtains
- 2 Drapery patterns, the best options, beautiful combinations
- 3 Drapery essentials, additional accessories
- 4 How to drape fabric: a beautiful step-by-step guide for beginners 5 curtains with magnets
- 6 Best examples of real window decoration with drapes
- 7 VIDEO: Curtain Drapery - Design Ideas.
- 8 50 original options for draping curtains in the interior:
How to drape curtains with your own hands
Usually, making curtains for windows is the final touch in decorating a room.
Tape can be used to create different draperies for curtains.
In order for the work to bring joy and become the pride of the hostess, to arouse the admiration of the household and guests, you need:
- Decide what to drape: curtains, curtains;
- Where curtains will be used;
- Choose the right fabric;
- Decide on the length of products;
- Select drapery option.
With the right choice of color and method of drapery, you can design a window opening in any interior.
Drapery schemes, the best options, a beautiful combination
To make the room look really elegant and tastefully decorated, you need to take into account some features of the color scheme, the area of the room, and its functionality.
The main condition is a sufficient supply of curtain width.
So, for example,
- If the room is covered with colorful wallpaper, plain medium-density curtains on the doors and windows with soft drapery - "accordion" will do;
- Silk and synthetics will decorate window openings with curtains with original folds in a room with matte wallpaper;
- Vertical folds on the fabric will visually increase the height;
- Horizontally pleated curtains will expand the space.
A minimum of two fabric widths is required for all curtain rod designs.
Curtain drapery adds splendor and can be combined with a plain curtain or completely cover the window with waves of folds.
More opulent and formal designs often require an assembly factor of 2.5-3.
Examples of how to drape curtains with your own hands can be found in numerous photos posted on the Internet. You can choose the most suitable curtain design scheme on the Internet.
Drapery is a variety of folds.
Curtains are usually fixed fixed and with accessories in the form of staples, tiebacks and other types of "holders" made of various materials.
If you want to create something original, you need to dream up, play with the canvas.
They perform several functions at once:
- They decorate curtains and give originality to the whole room;
- Hide imperfections and defects of windows and window sills;
- Curtain hangers help to regulate the light level in the room.
The thickness of the tape and the number of cords for broaches depend on the method of decorating and the density of the fabric.
Drapery supplies, additional accessories
To beautifully drape doors or window openings, you need to prepare all the necessary supplies:
- Curtain fabric;
- curtain tape;
- Sewing supplies;
- Tiebacks that will give the room a touch of character.
If thick, heavy, long curtains are planned, it is better to buy a wide curtain tape with several rows of cords.
Depending on the functionality, curtains are designed differently in different rooms.
Curtains play an important role in the interior, so the drapery of the curtains must be impeccable.
The living room requires a special elegance, underlined luxury and comfort, but also a sense of proportion - at the same time. Plain curtains with drapery are perfect for her.
Accent techniques in the design of the window opening are used depending on the overall design of the surrounding space.
In a small living room, light, light curtains made of thin fabric or filament curtains would be more appropriate. If the room is large and bright, you can use soft muted tones in the decoration, visually reducing it somewhat.
Curtains and drapes embellished with drapery add an exclusive touch to the interior.
Crossed curtains are suitable for it, which will be a good solution for windows facing the sunny side.
Sitting crosswise, the curtains will create a pleasant soft twilight in the room, add comfort. And if they are used to decorate the bedroom - and some intimacy.
The abundance of folds looks beautiful in a room with a high ceiling.
Such an arrangement can help change the proportions of an overly high window opening, adding width to it and visually adjusting the height.
The so-called French braid looks rich. In this case, the curtain is collected in fan folds, located at certain intervals.
Professional designers masterfully create folds by hand.
Important! The composition on the window will look harmonious if you accurately calculate the width of each fold, as well as the distance between them. The product looks most impressive if its length is 2.5 times the length of the cornice.
Curtain compositions can be decorated with folds in all rooms, including the kitchen. Many people think that this technique for kitchen windows is unacceptable, and they are deeply mistaken.
Properly selected fabric texture, length and the chosen method of draping windows will help make the room cozy, comfortable and beautiful.
One curtain at different times can be draped in several ways, and it will look different, creating the illusion that the textile has been replaced.
Colored or plain fabric is suitable for a window opening in the kitchen,
- easy to wash;
- it is resistant to fading in the sun;
- does not shrink after washing.
Draped tulle for a small kitchen and weighty curtains in the living room stand out from the general background with the help of a ribbon.
For fastening, use a variety of tiebacks, fasteners, ribbons, curtain hooks, which retain the shape of the composition and allow air to function freely and not interfere with natural light.
How to drape fabric: a step by step guide for beginners
You can learn how to drape drapes using the numerous workshops that are posted on YouTube.
You need to start with the simplest options, for example, with drapery, which can be done on a short curtain for the kitchen.
To create drapery, you can use tiebacks, classically gathering curtains from the sides at the level of the window sill or below, symmetrically or asymmetrically.
- A curtain tape is attached to its reverse side.
- A drawstring is made through which a thin cornice or cord is passed through which the curtain will be fixed in place.
- Cord tension forms pleats, the number and width of which are determined arbitrarily.
A winning interior composition is created, the perspective of the view from the window opens up, the regulation of penetrating natural light is formed.
How beautiful it is to assemble curtains with magnets
Among the accessories used in decorating, magnets have become more and more popular lately. They not only securely fasten the fabric, but also make a beautiful accent on the curtains.
Even simple curtains will look solemn if complemented with decorative ties.
A detailed description of how to beautifully drape curtains can be found in the step-by-step photos.
Curtains can be draped effortlessly by simply pleating and securing with a magnetic tie.
The best examples of real window decoration using drapery
What fabric is better to choose for decorating windows using drapery, how to properly assemble the fabric so that the curtains become lush, elegant and look original, you should use the recommendations of the masters. They can be found in numerous photos.
Creating a cozy atmosphere of spaciousness and lightness in the house with the help of curtain drapery is not difficult if every detail is thought out and every little thing is not left without attention.
VIDEO: Curtain Drapery - Design Ideas.
50 original options for drapery curtains in the interior:
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Curtains decorate a window: the best ideas from Loffilab
the best ideas from Loffilab
How to arrange a window - in the kitchen, in the bedroom, in the living room? The choice of solution is influenced by the features of the layout of the room, the general style of the interior, the location of the window and the preferences of the owners.
We will tell you what ideas you can use to make the window decoration beautiful and cozy.
Modern and effective ways to decorate windows
Drapery with curtains is a classic way of decorating windows. Today the most popular ideas are:
Design by Helen Kucherova
Loffilab Roman Blinds
A stylish solution that allows you to reveal and emphasize the beauty of your home. This option is almost universal: it is suitable for small rooms, apartments with low ceilings, minimalist interiors. Roman blinds are an opportunity to avoid overloading with details, and at the same time bring an unusual accent to the design.
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Design Ekaterina Lashmanova
Loffilab
This combination helps to achieve emotional balance in the interior. And the clarity of Roman blinds can be an interesting touch in the overall solution.
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Design Anna Muravina
Loffilab Beige Curtains
Beige curtains are a real trend.
We know how to make them different with unique combinations of premium fabrics, thoughtful folds and accessories. Curtains "Tenderness" from soft velvet, linen curtains with brown edging, curtains made of cotton, woolen fabrics - only a small part of what you can choose on our website or order from Loffilab.
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Loffilab tulle
A translucent veil performs several tasks at once: it allows the sun to enter the room, decorates the room, interacts with the interior and shelters the owners of the house from prying eyes.
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We create a wide variety of curtains, curtains and curtains. Each product is unique and is created from the finest European fabrics. You can choose luxurious paintings on our website, choose them in the Loffilab salon, or order your own unique piece.
Bed, curtains and bedspread, Loffilab in the project of Tatiana Gorshkova
Loffilab curtains in the project of Marina Braginskaya, designer and founder of the Atelier Interior Bureau
Loffilab curtains in the project of Olimpiada Arefyeva
Loffilab curtains in the project of Ekaterina Loffilabova
3 Shutters
2 in the project of designers Irina Markidonova and Ilona Menshakova (Sisters' Design)
Loffilab curtains in the project of designer Varvara Shabelnikova
Loffilab curtains in the project of designer Tatyana Gorshkova
Loffilab curtains in the project of designer Alisa Shabelnikova
Loffilab curtains in the project of Yulia Akimova, decorator and owner of the Carré d'artistes art gallery
Loffilab curtains help in the design of Elena Simkana 9003
The creation of luxury design is equal parts creativity and deep understanding of technical processes.
